My question involves a child custody case from the State of: NY

Hello,

Short background: 6 years ago I was divorced. Due to lack of funds and a huge bout of depression, I didn't partake in the divorce. Divorce was granted, and I was granted a minimal amount of time with my child. During that time I exercised all available visits made by the cp. About 2 years later, (after saving money and seeing myself through counseling) I lawyer-ed up and went back to court to seek an expansion of my visitation. When all was said and done....

I was granted a "growing" visitation schedule. This means that my visitation should expand over time. To include holidays, overnights etc. It's been 4 years with no expansion at all.

In 6 years, I have never seen my child on Christmas, their or my bday, Thanksgiving, Easter.....etc. I've only ever had one overnight and that was during a camping trip to which the cp said that I screwed everything up and our childs schedule was thrown off balance (despite following the schedule to a 't') Every time I bring it up, the cp has excuses as to why a visit wouldn't work.

Per our modification, it states we should seek a mediator before returning to court. I have expressed my concerns to the cp and suggested we see a mediator. The cp responded that they cannot afford the fees, but are willing to attend if I pay. Right off the bat, I am skeptical that mediation would remedy the situation from experience with dealing with the cp. (very stubborn) The fees are in the neighborhood of $225 an hour, and the mediator believes it would take at least 4 hours to make any headway based on what I told them during an initial consultation.

I cannot afford an attorney. I couldn't during the divorce, and am still catching up after being soaked from the last time.

Can I file in the court on my own? Do I need an attorney should it go in front of the judge? Or is this a open shut case?

Thanks